Distance-measuring system

ABSTRACT

A distance-measuring system includes a light source, a light detector, and measuring optics for projecting light emitted by the light source to a target and for guiding light reflected from said target towards the light detector. The distance-measuring system also includes reference optics for guiding light emitted by the light source within the system towards the light detector as internal reference light and a variable attenuator for adjusting intensity of light incident on the light detector. The variable attenuator includes an attenuating filter arranged in a beam path between the measuring optics and the light detector and an actuator coupled to the attenuating filter for moving the attenuating filter. The distance-measuring system further includes an optical selector coupled to at least one of the actuator or the attenuating filter and moved by the actuator together with the attenuating filter.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/030,758, filed Feb. 18, 2011, which claims priority to and is acontinuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2008/006864,filed on Aug. 20, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a distance-measuring system capable ofmeasuring a distance of a target from the system in an optical way, and,more particularly, to a compact, lightweight and cheap structure of sucha system.

For determining the distance of a target from the distance-measuringsystem a variety of technologies are available. These technologiesusually involve emitting some type of radiation (e.g. light, supersonicand radar) towards the target and receiving a portion of the radiationreflected back from the target. The distance from the system to thetarget is determined by one of several approaches well known by theskilled person; detailed description is therefore omitted. Some examplesare described in prior art documents U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,381, U.S. Pat.No. 5,241,360, U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,653 or US 2004/0246461. For example,some systems calculate the distance from the system to the target bydetermining a phase difference between radiation emitted to the targetand reflected radiation received from the target, while other systemsmeasure a time delay between emission of the radiation to the target andreceipt of the reflected radiation at the system. For example,measurement of distance can be accomplished by emitting a modulatedmicrowave or infrared carrier signal to the target that is reflected bythe target. The distance can then be determined, for example, byemitting and receiving multiple frequencies, and determining the integernumber of wavelengths to the target for each frequency.

Such systems according to the above prior art, which use light asradiation, usually comprise a light source, a light detector andmeasuring optics for projecting light emitted by the light source to thetarget and for guiding light reflected from the target back towards thelight detector.

The target can be a so-called non-cooperative target havingcomparatively low reflectivity (e.g. a wall of a building, a stone, atree, or other environmental object), or a so-called cooperative targethaving comparatively high reflectivity (e.g. a prism or reflector). Toadapt the light detector to varying intensities of reflected light thatis received from different targets, the system often further comprises avariable attenuator for adjusting the intensity of light incident on thelight detector.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a distance-measuring systemhaving an especially compact and lightweight structure that can bemanufactured at low cost while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.Further embodiments of the invention are directed to adistance-measuring system and method providing an increased measuringspeed.

According to embodiments, a distance-measuring system comprises a lightsource, a light detector, measuring optics and a variable attenuator.According to embodiments, the distance-measuring system furthercomprises reference optics and an optical selector.

The light source can be, for example, a laser or Light Emitting Diode(LED) for emitting visible light or infrared light. The light can be,for example, pulse modulated, or modulated and especially comprise acarrier signal.

The light detector can be any light sensitive element capable of sensinglight, especially, a semiconductor element. The light detector can be,for example, a photodiode and especially an avalanche photodiode.

The measuring optics is configured to project light emitted by the lightsource to a target to be measured and to direct light reflected from thetarget towards the light detector.

The reference optics is configured to direct light emitted by the lightsource within the system towards the light detector as an internalreference light. Thus, the internal reference light directed by thereference optics travels a predetermined distance from the light sourceto the light detector without leaving the system. This internalreference light is used to calibrate measurement of the system and thusto increase accuracy of the system.

The measuring optics and reference optics, for example, can eachcomprise several optical lenses, deflecting elements, filters andoptical fibers.

The variable attenuator comprises an attenuating filter arranged in abeam path between the measuring optics and the light detector, a carriersupporting the attenuating filter, and an actuator coupled to thecarrier for moving the carrier together with the attenuating filter.Thus, the variable attenuator is configured to adjust the intensity oflight incident on the light detector. The attenuating filter can forexample be a density filter and especially a neutral density filter andfurther especially a grey-wedge filter. Furthermore, it is emphasizedthat the carrier and the attenuating filter of the variable attenuatorfor example can either be separate elements or be made in one piece.

The optical selector is configured to selectively direct light directedby either the measuring optics or the reference optics to the lightdetector.

According to a first embodiment, the optical selector is coupled to atleast one of the actuator and the attenuating filter, and thus moved bythe actuator together with the attenuating filter. According toembodiments, the optical selector is supported by the carrier of thevariable attenuator together with the attenuating filter and moved bythe actuator together with the carrier. Thus, one single actuator (e.g.motor) is sufficient to move both the attenuating filter of the variableattenuator and the optical selector. As a separate actuator for theoptical selector can be avoided, the system has an especially compactand lightweight structure and low manufacturing cost.

According to a second embodiment (that can be combined with the abovefirst embodiment), the attenuating filter of the variable attenuator hasfirst and second sections of varying transmissivity along the samedirection of movement caused by the actuator. Thus, along the directionof movement of the attenuating filter, the first and second sections arearranged in succession. Transmissivity varies in each the first andsecond section either from higher transparency to lower transparency orfrom lower transparency to higher transparency. In other words, alongthe same direction of movement of the attenuating filter caused by theactuator, transparency of the attenuating filter has at least twomaximum values and at least two minimum values. Use of the attenuatingfilter having at least two sections of varying transmissivity has theadvantage that one of these sections can be used for measurement ofnon-cooperative targets and the other section can be used formeasurement of cooperative targets.

According to embodiments, a maximum value of transparency of the firstsection of the attenuating filter of the variable attenuator is arrangedneighboring in sequence to a minimum value of transparency of the secondsection of the attenuating filter, and a minimum value of transparencyof the first section is arranged neighboring in sequence to a maximumvalue of transparency of the second section. For example, the first andsecond sections can be part of an endless loop (which endless loop canbe interrupted by the selector, for example). If measurement is startedwith a positioning of the attenuating filter such that the beam pathbetween the measuring optics and the light detector is arranged betweenthe two sections of the attenuating filter, both the maximum value oftransparency (that is favorable for starting measurement ofnon-cooperative targets) and the minimum value of transparency (that isfavorable for starting measurement of cooperative targets) can bereached very quickly by moving the attenuating filter by only a smallamount. Consequently, the time necessary for performing a measurement issignificantly decreased. Furthermore, use of a slower actuator formoving the variable attenuator is possible, thus reducing manufacturingcosts.

According to embodiments, the optical selector is arranged between thefirst and second sections of the attenuating filter of the variableattenuator. If measurement is started with a positioning of theattenuating filter such that the beam path between the measuring opticsand the light detector is arranged where the two sections of theattenuating filter neighbor each other, the optical selector interruptsthe beam path between the measuring optics and the light detector andcan be arranged in a beam path between the reference optics and thelight detector when measurement is started. Therefore, the opticalselector can selectively direct internal reference light received fromthe reference optics towards the light detector when measurement isstarted. From this starting position a suitable attenuation of theattenuating filter can also be reached during measurement for bothcooperative and non-cooperative targets very quickly. Thus, calibrationof the system can be performed at the beginning of each measurementwithout causing a significant time delay.

According to embodiments, the attenuating filter of the variableattenuator defines the surface of a flat disc, wherein the two sectionsof varying transmissivity form sectors of the disc. The optical selectoris arranged at a position of the disc where a minimum value oftransparency of one section of varying transmissivity is arrangedneighboring in sequence to a maximum value of transparency of anothersection of varying transmissivity of the attenuating filter. Theattenuating filter can, for example, be directly mounted to the opticalselector. Alternatively, a carrier of the variable attenuator can, forexample, be provided for mounting the optical selector. The carrier andthe attenuating filter of the variable attenuator can also be formed inone piece, for example, by providing the disc with a central shaft.

According to a third embodiment (that can be combined with at least oneof the above first and second embodiments), the carrier of the variableattenuator has a circular shape rotatable about a central rotationalshaft. The rotational shaft is coupled to the actuator for rotating thecarrier. The circular shape can, for example, be the shape of a disc orwheel. Further, the attenuating filter of the variable attenuator ispart of a circumferential surface when supported by the carrier.Examples of such circumferential surfaces are a cylinder-surface, afrusto-conical surface, or a peripheral surface of an annular ring.Variations or combinations of the above types of surfaces are possible.Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the listed examplesof circumferential surfaces. For example, the attenuating filter of thevariable attenuator can be part of a surface of revolution, such as e.g.a lateral surface of a rotational solid.

Use of an attenuating filter defining a circumferential surface whensupported by the carrier has the advantage that the attenuating filterhas a large extension along the same direction of movement of thecarrier (and thus even the attenuating filter) caused by the actuatorwhile a compact structure of the variable attenuator as a whole ismaintained. Furthermore, the attenuating filter forms an endless loop.This endless loop needs not to be continuous, but can be interrupted bythe selector, for example.

According to further embodiments, the detector is arranged within thecircumferential surface defined by the attenuating filter. By arrangingthe detector inside this circumferential surface, the system has anespecially compact structure. According to embodiments, even theactuator of the variable attenuator or further components of thedistance-measuring system are arranged within this circumferentialsurface defined by the attenuating filter.

According to embodiments, the first and second sections of varyingtransmissivity of the attenuating filter extend in a circumferentialdirection of the circumferential surface defined by the attenuatingfilter. This circumferential direction corresponds to the direction ofmovement of the carrier (and thus also to the direction of movement ofthe attenuating filter) caused by the actuator.

According to embodiments, the beam path between the reference optics andthe light detector enters the circumferential surface defined by theattenuating filter in an area closer to the carrier of the variableattenuator than the beam path between the measuring optics and the lightdetector.

According to further embodiments the optical selector causes paralleldisplacement of beams entering and leaving the optical selector.Alternatively, or additionally, the optical selector is configured suchthat light incident on the optical selector, and light emitted by theoptical selector is oriented orthogonal to a direction of movement ofthe optical selector when the actuator moves the carrier and thus alsothe selector.

According to embodiments, the optical selector has first and secondmirror surfaces, the first mirror surface can be arranged in an opticalaxis defined by the reference optics, and the second mirror surface canbe arranged at the same time in an optical axis defined by the detector.Position of the first and second mirror surfaces can be changed bymoving the optical selector together with the variable attenuator byusing the actuator. In this respect, the optical selector can be aprism, especially a rhomboid prism, for example. In this case it hassome advantages if the prism is oriented such that a beam path betweenthe first and second mirror surfaces of the prism is oriented parallelto an axis of rotation of a rotational shaft of the carrier.Alternatively, or additionally, the beam path between the first andsecond mirror surfaces of the prism can be, for example, orientedorthogonal to the carrier of the variable attenuator.

According to further embodiments, the system further comprises a secondlight source for emitting an adjustment light that can be directedthrough the measuring optics. The second light source can be, forexample, a lamp, a bulb, a laser or Light Emitting Diode (LED) foremitting visible light. By use of such a second light source, adjustmentof the measuring optics can be performed in an especially easy way asthe measurement optics can be illuminated from a position close to thelight detector from inside the system. Thus, the light emitted by thesecond light source passes trough the measuring optics in a directionopposite to the direction that is used when distance measurement of thetarget is performed.

According to embodiments, the optical selector comprises an externalreflecting surface for directing the adjustment light towards themeasuring optics. Thus, the optical selector can not only be used toselectively direct light directed by either the measuring optics or thereference optics to the light detector, but even to selectively directlight emitted by the second light source to the measuring optics.

According to embodiments, a ball lens arranged adjacent the lightdetector is further provided. According to further embodiments, themeasuring optics comprises an optical fiber and a ball lens arrangedadjacent to the optical fiber, wherein the attenuating filter can bearranged between the ball lens of the measuring optics and the ball lensof the light detector by operating the variable attenuator. Use of balllenses before and after the attenuating filter of the variableattenuator with respect to a beam path passing through the attenuatingfilter has the advantage that the beams of light passing through theattenuating filter are oriented substantially parallel. Furthermore,ball lenses frequently need no calibration as ball lenses can beself-setting e.g., by using lens holders having only four points ofsupport. Moreover, ball lenses are comparatively cheap, thus furtherreducing manufacturing costs. However, other lenses than ball lensescan, for example, be used in all embodiments.

According to embodiments, the reference optics comprises an opticalfiber coupled to the light source, and the optical selector can bearranged between the optical fiber of the reference optics and the balllens adjacent the light detector by operating the variable attenuator.According to embodiments, the reference optics further comprises a balllens arranged adjacent to the optical fiber and the optical selector canbe arranged between the ball lens of the reference optics and the balllens adjacent the light detector by operating the variable attenuator.However use of a ball lens with the reference optics is optional. Forexample, an aperture can be provided instead of the ball lens whilestill achieving a satisfying functionality as the internal referencelight usually has a sufficient intensity.

According to embodiments, the system further comprises a photointerrupter for detecting presence and absence of a position pinprovided at the carrier of the variable attenuator, wherein the positionpin and the photo interrupter are arranged such that the presence of theposition pin indicates that the optical selector mounted to the variableattenuator is arranged in the beam path between the reference optics andthe light detector. According to an alternative embodiment, absence ofthe position pin indicates that the optical selector is arranged in thebeam path between the reference optics and the light detector. By use ofsuch a photo interrupter a starting position of the variable attenuatorcan be found with high accuracy and at low costs. According toalternative embodiments, the position pin is formed in one piece witheither the selector or the attenuating filter.

According to a further embodiment, a method of operating adistance-measuring system is provided, the method comprising taking adecision on a kind of target reflecting light towards thedistance-measuring system, the kind of target comprising at least atarget having low reflectivity and a target having high reflectivity,and adjusting transparency of an attenuating filter of thedistance-measuring system in dependency on intensity of light receivedvia the attenuating filter at a light detector of the distance-measuringsystem. Adjustment of transparency of the attenuating filter is startedwith the highest transparency of the attenuating filter if the kind oftarget identifies use of a target having low reflectivity. Furthermore,adjustment of transparency of the attenuating filter is started with thelowest transparency of the attenuating filter if the kind of targetidentifies use of a target having high reflectivity. In this way, anattenuation of the attenuating filter that is well adjusted to arespective kind target can be reached very quickly.

According to embodiments, the method further comprises the steps ofidentifying the kind of target to be used, directing light generated bythe internal light source to the target to be measured, and receivinglight reflected by the target at the light detector via the attenuatingfilter.

According to embodiments, transparency of the attenuating filter isgradually reduced during adjustment of transparency of the attenuatingfilter if the kind of target identifies use of a target having lowreflectivity. Furthermore, transparency of the attenuating filter isgradually increased during adjustment of transparency of the attenuatingfilter if the kind of target identifies use of a target having highreflectivity.

According to embodiments, the kind of target to be used is determined byreceiving a user input identifying a type of measurement to beperformed. This input by a user comprises identification whether acooperative target or non-cooperative target is to be used. According toan alternative embodiment, it is determined automatically whether acooperative target or non-cooperative target is to be used, e.g. basedon an intensity of light received from the target.

According to embodiments, the above method further comprises for exampleone or plural additional steps such as a step of calibrating a lightdetector by directly guiding light from the internal light sourcetowards the light detector and detecting a phase difference between thelight emitted by the light source and the light received by the lightdetector, or a step of detecting a phase difference between lightdirected to the target and reflected light received from the target tocalculate a relative distance of the target.

Using the above-described distance measuring system, for example, canperform the above method.

According to a further embodiment, a surveying instrument comprising ahousing and a mount supporting the housing is provided, wherein thehousing comprises the above described distance-measuring system.According to embodiments, the surveying instrument further has a userinterface for input of at least one of a type of measurement to beperformed or a kind of target to be used by a user. The mount can forexample be a tripod. The surveying instrument can for example be anelectronic distance meter.

According to embodiments a distance-measuring system comprises a lightsource, a light detector, measuring optics, reference optics, a variableattenuator and an optical selector. The measuring optics are configuredto project light emitted by the light source to a target to be measuredand for guiding light reflected from said target towards the lightdetector. The reference optics are configured to direct light emitted bythe light source within the system towards the light detector asinternal reference light. The variable attenuator is configured toadjust intensity of light incident on the light detector and comprisesan attenuating filter arranged in the beam path between the measuringoptics and the light detector, and an actuator coupled to theattenuating filter for moving the attenuating filter. The opticalselector is configured to selectively direct light guided by either themeasuring optics or the reference optics to the light detector.According to embodiments, the optical selector is coupled to at leastone of the actuator and the attenuating filter, and moved by theactuator together with the attenuating filter. According to embodiments,along the same direction of movement of the attenuating filter caused bythe actuator the attenuating filter has first and second sections ofvarying transmissivity, a first section in which the transmissivityvaries from higher transparency to lower transparency and a secondsection in which the transmissivity varies from higher transparency tolower transparency. According to embodiments, the variable attenuatorfurther comprises a carrier supporting both the attenuating filter andthe optical selector, wherein the carrier has a circular shape rotatableabout a rotational shaft, and wherein the attenuating filter is part ofa circumferential surface when supported by the carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The forgoing, as well as other advantageous features, will be moreapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. It is noted that not all possible embodiments of the presentinvention necessarily exhibit each and every, or any, of the advantagesidentified herein.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic partially exploded view of a distance measuringsystem according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 1A shows a schematic cross sectional view of the distance measuringsystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 1B shows a top view on selected elements of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C shows an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of selectedelements of FIG. 1A in a first operating state;

FIG. 1D shows an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of selectedelements of FIG. 1A in a second operating state;

FIG. 1E shows an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of selectedelements of FIG. 1A in a third operating state;

FIG. 2A schematically shows a perspective view on selected elements of avariable attenuator that is used in embodiments;

FIG. 2B schematically shows an attenuating filter and optical selectorof the variable attenuator of FIG. 2A, which attenuating filter isunfolded in one plane;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic cross sectional view of a distance measuringsystem according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 3B shows a top view on selected elements of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of selectedelements of FIG. 3A in a first operating state;

FIG. 3D shows an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of selectedelements of FIG. 3A in a second operating state;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic cross sectional view of a distance measuringsystem according to a third embodiment in a first operating state;

FIG. 4B schematically shows a front view of an attenuating filter andoptical selector of a variable attenuator used in the embodiment of FIG.4A in the first operating state;

FIG. 4C shows a schematic cross sectional view of a distance measuringsystem of FIG. 4A in a second operating state;

FIG. 4D schematically shows a front view of an attenuating filter andoptical selector of a variable attenuator used in the embodiment of FIG.4A in the second operating state;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a surveying instrumentcomprising the distance measuring system according to embodiments;

FIG. 6 schematically shows a side view on the surveying instrument ofFIG. 5 in an operating state;

FIG. 7A shows a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7B shows a flow diagram of additional method steps that can be usedin the method of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 7C shows a flow diagram of alternative or additional method stepsthat can be used in the method of FIG. 7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the exemplary embodiments described below, elements that are alike infunction and structure are designated, as far as possible, by alikereference numerals. Therefore, to understand the features of theindividual components of a specific embodiment, the descriptions ofother embodiments and of the summary of the invention should be referredto.

In the drawings, elements that are functionally closely related to oneanother or are part of a generic unit are identified by the same numeralbut distinguished by different characters. For example, in embodimentsreference numerals 6 a to 6 g identify different elements of a variableattenuator 6, etc. Elements of different embodiments that are alike infunction and structure but differ from one another are distinguished byasterisks.

A) First Embodiment (FIGS. 1, 1A-1E)

FIGS. 1 and 1A to 1E schematically show different views of a distancemeasuring system according to a first embodiment in three differentoperating states. While FIGS. 1 and 1A schematically show the wholesystem, FIGS. 1B to 1E show selected elements thereof.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic partially exploded view. FIGS. 1A, 1C, 1D and1E each show schematic cross sectional views. FIG. 1B schematicallyshows a top view. In FIGS. 1 and 1A some elements are also drawn assymbols.

A1) Operating States Used in the First Embodiment

The different operating states are:

A11) A first operating state of calibrating a light detector 4 a of alight receiver 4 of the distance measuring system by directly guidinglight from an internal light source 2 a via reference optics 5 towardsthe light detector 4 a. This first operating state is shown in FIGS. 1,1A, 1B and 1C.

A12) A second operating state of performing distance measurement withrespect to a target 200 by directing light emitted by the internal lightsource 2 a and reflected from the target 200 via measuring optics 3towards the light detector 4 a of the light receiver 4. FIG. 1D showsthis second operating state.

A13) A third operating state of adjusting an optical fiber 3 e of themeasuring optics 3 by guiding adjustment light emitted by a second lightsource 8 towards the optical fiber 3 e of the measuring optics 3. Thethird operating state is shown in FIG. 1E.

A2) General Structure of the Distance Measuring System According to theFirst Embodiment

In the following, the general structure of the distance measuring systemaccording to the first embodiment is described by referring to FIGS. 1and 1A-1E.

The distance measuring system according to the first embodimentcomprises a light source 2 a, measuring optics 3, reference optics 5 anda receiving unit 15.

In the present embodiment, the light source 2 a is a laser diodeemitting light towards the measuring optics 3 and the reference optics5. A suitable laser diode type HL6501MG is obtainable from Sasco HolzGmbH Berlin, Motardstrasse 54, 13629, Germany. However, the presentinvention is not restricted to use of laser diodes or laser lightsources. Any other light source, e.g., a Light Emitting Diode foremitting visible light or infrared light, might be used. The lightemitted by the light source can for example be modulated and especiallycomprise a carrier signal. However, even pulse modulated light can beused.

In the present embodiment, the measuring optics 3 project light emittedby the light source 2 a to a target 200, the distance of which target200 relative to the distance measuring system 15 is to be measured. Themeasuring optics 3 further direct light reflected from said target 200towards a light detector 4 a of the receiving unit 15.

In the present embodiment, the reference optics 5 direct light emittedby the light source 2 a within the system towards the light detector 4 aof the receiving unit 15 as internal reference light. Both the measuringoptics 3 and the reference optics 5 will be described later in furtherdetail by reference to FIG. 5. The measuring optics 3 and the referenceoptics 5 each can for example comprise several optical elements such aslenses, deflecting elements, filters and optical fibers.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the receiving unit 15comprises a light receiver 4 comprising the light detector 4 a, anoptical selector 7 and a variable attenuator 6.

In the first embodiment, the light receiver 4 comprises a light detector4 a, a ball lens 4 b and a filter 4 c. The ball lens 4 b is providedbetween the filter 4 c and the light detector 4 a. The light detector 4a can be any light sensitive element capable of sensing light,especially a semiconductor element. For example, the light detector canbe a photodiode and especially an avalanche photodiode. A suitable lightdetector type AD230-8 TO52S1 is obtainable from Silicon Sensor GmbH,Ostendstrasse 1, 12459 Berlin, Germany. However, the present inventionis not restricted to a light receiver 4 having the above structure. Forexample, ordinary lenses can be used instead of the ball lenses.Alternatively, at least one of the lens and the filter can be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the optical selector 7 is a rhomboid prism 7having a first mirror surface 7 a and a second mirror surface 7 b, whichcause a parallel displacement of beams of light entering and leaving therhomboid prism 7. Thus, beams of light entering the rhomboid prism 7 andleaving the rhomboid prism 7 are substantially parallel. The firstmirror-surface 7 a can be arranged in an optical path of an opticalfiber 5 a (reference fiber) of the reference optics 5, and the secondmirror surface 7 b can be arranged at the same time in an optical pathdefined by the ball lens 4 b of the light detector 4 a. A suitablerhomboid prism can be obtained from Sinocera Photonics Inc., No. 355,PuHui Road, Jiading, Shanghai 201821, China. In the present embodiment,the rhomboid prism has the size 2 mm*2 mm*5 mm. However, the presentinvention is not restricted to these dimensions or the use of a rhomboidprism as optical selector 7. In the present embodiment, a housing 7 d ofthe rhomboid prism 7 (beside a light incident surface and a lightemerging surface located adjacent the first and second mirror surfaces 7a, 7 b) is essentially opaque. Thus, in the present embodiment thehousing 7 d of the rhomboid prism 7 blocks light directed by themeasuring optics 3 towards the light detector 4 a when the distancemeasuring system is in the first operating state (i.e. the rhomboidprism 7 is located as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A-1C, for example). However,light guided by the reference optics 5 can be incident on and emergefrom the housing 7 d of the rhomboid prism 7 via the light incident andemerging surfaces. In the present embodiment, the housing 7 d is aseparate element that is fixedly attached to the prism 7 and supportedby the carrier 6 b of the variable attenuator 6. However, according toan alternative embodiment a coating of the rhomboid prism (e.g. anopaque color) constitutes the housing, for example. According to afurther alternative embodiment, the housing is formed in one piece withthe carrier 6 b of the variable attenuator 6. It is emphasized that thepresent invention is not restricted to a rhomboid prism having such ahousing. In fact, the housing may even be omitted.

In the present embodiment, main components of the variable attenuator 6are an attenuating filter 6 a, a carrier 6 b and an actuator 6 c.

A neutral density filter is used as attenuating filter 6 a in thepresent embodiment. According to an embodiment, a gray wedge filter isused as attenuating filter. However, the present invention is notrestricted to a certain kind of attenuating filter. The attenuatingfilter will be described in further detail by reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B.

In the present embodiment, the carrier 6 b is made of an opaque plasticmaterial and has the shape of a disc. However, the present invention isnot restricted to an opaque carrier 6 b or plastic material. Moreover,the present invention is not restricted to a carrier having the shape ofa disc. The carrier can for example have any circular shape and even theshape of a wheel. Further, the present invention is not restricted to acarrier having a circular shape. The carrier 6 b is rotatable about acentral rotational axis A by a rotational shaft 6 d. The rotationalshaft 6 d is arranged in the center of the carrier 6 b and coupled to adriving shaft 6 f of the actuator 6 c. The carrier 6 b supports both theattenuating filter 6 a and the optical selector 7. However, the carrier6 b and at least one of the attenuating filter 6 a and optical selector7 need not be separate elements but can be formed integrally in onepiece, for example.

In the present embodiment, the actuator is a motor 6 c and especially astepper motor. The variable attenuator 6 is operated by rotating therotational shaft 6 d of the carrier 6 b via the driving shaft 6 f thatis coupled to an internal gear 6 g of the motor 6 c. Consequently, thecarrier 6 b is rotated together with the attenuating filter 6 a and theoptical selector 7 about the rotational axis A. A suitable stepper motorcan be obtained as type VID 29-05-03 from Data InstrumentationTechnology Ltd, North Unit 4/f, H-2 Bld., East Industrial Park, OverseasChinese Town, Shenzhen 518053, China. It is emphasized that the presentinvention is not restricted to a certain actuator or use of a steppermotor or a motor comprising an internal gear for operating the variableattenuator 6. A manual drive can for example be used as actuator insteadof the motor.

As the carrier 6 b supports both the attenuating filter 6 a and theselector 7 at the same time, the attenuating filter 6 a and the selector7 are both rotated together with the carrier 6 b about rotational axis Awhen the variable attenuator 6 is operated in response to operation ofthe motor 6 c. Consequently, one single actuator is sufficient todisplace both the attenuating filter 6 a and the selector 7.

Detailed Description of Attenuating Filter (FIGS. 2A, 2B)

The attenuating filter 6 a and the carrier 6 b supporting the same willnow be explained in more detail by referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B.Afterwards description of the first embodiment will be resumed.

FIG. 2A schematically shows a perspective view of the carrier 6 bsupporting the attenuating filter 6 a and the selector 7 used in thefirst and second embodiments.

The attenuating filter 6 a is part of a circumferential cylinder-surfacewhen supported by the carrier 6 b. First and second sections 6 a′ and 6a″ of the attenuating filter 6 a extend in circumferential direction ofthe cylinder-surface. As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 1Ato 1E with FIG. 2A, the attenuating filter 6 a surrounds the lightreceiver 4 of the receiving unit 15 when mounted to the carrier 6 b.This results in an especially compact structure of the receiving unit15. In this respect it is emphasized that the present invention is notrestricted to an attenuating filter defining a circumferentialcylinder-surface. In fact, according to alternative embodiments theattenuating filter can for example define a frusto-conical surface orthe surface of an annular ring or other circumferential surfacesurrounding the actuator or light receiver 4.

FIG. 2B schematically shows the attenuating filter 6 a and selector 7when unfolded in one plane. In FIG. 2B, the shaded areas symbolize theamount of attenuation 1/T (T⁻¹) and the white areas the amount oftransparency T. This is further symbolized by the graph above theattenuating filter 6 a. In this graph, the vertical y-axis indicates theamount of attenuation 1/T and the horizontal x-axis the length L of theunfolded attenuating filter 6 a. When mounted to the carrier 6 b asshown in FIG. 2A, the leftmost and rightmost portions of the unfoldedattenuating filter 6 a shown in FIG. 2B are joined together, thusforming an endless loop. In the present embodiment, the selector 7 ispart of this endless loop.

As is shown in FIG. 2B, along the same direction of movement M of theattenuating filter 6 a when mounted to the carrier 6 b, the attenuatingfilter 6 a has a first section 6 a′ in which the transmissivity variesfrom low transparency T (and thus high attenuation 1/T) to hightransparency T (and thus low attenuation 1/T), and a second section 6 a″in which the transmissivity varies from low transparency to hightransparency. Such attenuating filter can be manufactured in known waysfor example by photochemistry or printing technologies. However, it isemphasized that the present invention is not restricted to anattenuating filter having the characteristics shown in FIG. 2B. Forexample, the transmissivity alternatively can vary from hightransparency to low transparency in the two sections. Moreover, theattenuating filter can for example have more or less than two sectionsof varying transmissivity. In the present embodiment, the selector 7 isarranged between the two sections 6 a′ and 6 a″ and thus between an areawhere the attenuating filter 6 a has a highest transparency and an areawhere the attenuating filter 6 a has a lowest transparency.

Description of the first embodiment is now resumed.

In the present embodiment, the varying transmissivity of the attenuatingfilter 6 a is used to adapt the system to the intensity of lightactually received by the light detector 4 a of the light receiver 4.Intensity of light reflected from the target 200 and received by thelight receiver 4 varies in dependency on a distance D (see FIG. 6) andkind of the target 200 (as either cooperative or non-cooperative targetscan be used). Even air flickering, air humidity and the cleanliness ofthe air have some influence on the intensity of light received by thelight receiver 4.

In the following, the function of the receiving unit 15 described aboveis explained in further detail.

A11) First Operating State of the First Embodiment

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C show the first operating state. In the firstoperating state the selector 7 is arranged such that light emitted bythe light source 2 a is directly directed by the reference optics 5 viaan optical fiber 5 a, a ball lens 5 b, a constant attenuating filter 5c, the first and second mirror surfaces 7 a, 7 b of the selector 7, thefilter 4 c and ball lens 4 b towards the light detector 4 a. Bymeasuring intensity of light received by the light detector 4 acalibration of the system is performed.

The constant attenuating filter 5 c is provided after the ball lens 5 bof the reference optics as the light emitted by the optical fiber 5 a ofthe reference optics does not pass through the attenuating filter 6 a toallow adaptation between a respective light source 2 a and lightdetector 4 a. In the present embodiment, the constant attenuating filter5 c adapts intensity of internal reference light directed by thereference optics 5 via the selector 7 towards the light detector 4 a toan order of magnitude (scale) of intensity of light (reflected from thetarget 200) typically directed by the measuring optics 3 towards thelight detector 4 a. However, the constant attenuating filter 5 c caneven be omitted if adaptation between a respective light source 2 a andlight detector 4 a is not necessary.

As the selector 7 causes a parallel displacement of the beams enteringand leaving the selector 7, slackness S of the selector 7 occurringduring rotation about the rotational shaft 6 d of the carrier 6 b doesnot deteriorate measurement accuracy.

In the first operating state light reflected from the target 200 anddirected by the measuring optics 3 towards the light detector 4 a doesnot reach the light detector 4 a as it is blocked by the housing 7 d ofthe selector 7.

A12) Second Operating State of the First Embodiment

The second operating state, where light reflected from the target 200 isdirected by optical fiber 3 e (receiving fiber) from measuring optics 3through a ball lens 3 f, the attenuating filter 6 a, the filter 4 c andball lens 4 b towards the light detector 4 a, is shown in FIG. 1D. Thisoperating state is the state in which the distance D of the target 200from the system is actually measured.

As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 1C and 1D, a beam path betweenthe optical fiber 5 a and the light detector 4 a enters thecircumferential cylinder-surface defined by the attenuating filter 6 ain an area closer to the carrier 6 b than a beam path between theoptical fiber 3 e and the light detector 4 a. Thus, taking the carrier 6b as top of the receiving unit 15 and the light detector 4 a as bottomof the receiving unit 15, the optical fiber 5 a of the reference optics5 is arranged above the optical fiber 3 e of the measuring optics 3.

In the second operating state internal reference light directed by thereference optics 5 towards the light detector 4 a does not reach thelight detector 4 a as it is blocked by the carrier 6 b that issupporting both the variable attenuating filter 6 a and the selector 7.Moreover, in the present embodiment an optical axis of the referenceoptics 5 is offset from an optical axis of the light receiver 4comprising the light detector 4 a if the selector 7 is not arranged inthe optical path of the reference optics 5.

A13) Third Operating State of the First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the system further comprises a second lightsource (e.g. a LED) 8 for emitting adjustment light having a wavelengththat is observable by the human eye. A suitable second light source 8 isobtainable as SMD-LED type LSL29 from Sasco Holz GmbH Berlin,Motardstrasse 54, 13629, Germany. However, the present invention is notrestricted to use of an LED as second light source. Any light sourceemitting visible light can be used, e.g. a lamp, bulb or laser.

As shown in FIG. 1E, adjustment light emitted by the second light source8 is directed by an external mirror surface 7 c provided on an outsideof the selector 7 towards the optical fiber 3 e (receiving fiber) if theselector 7 is in the same position as in the above described firstoperating state. This allows adjustment of the optical fiber 3 e in anespecially easy manner.

It is emphasized that the present invention is not restricted to amirror surface 7 c provided on the selector 7 to reflect light from thesecond light source 8 towards the optical fiber 3 e. Alternatively, areflecting surface other than a mirror surface and even a reflectingsurface separate from the selector 7 may be used.

The second light source 8 need not be operated all the time or for eachmeasurement, but only if adjustment of the optical fiber 3 e of themeasuring optics is to be performed. This is usually only necessaryunder exceptional circumstances (e.g. at manufacturing or at maintenanceof the system).

In the present embodiment, in the third operating state the light source2 a is switched off. Thus, no internal reference light is directed bythe reference optics 5 towards the light detector 4 a. In consequence,also no light is reflected from the target 200 and directed by themeasuring optics 3 towards the light detector 4 a.

A3) Additional Features of the First Embodiment Relating to allOperating States

Starting from the first operating state, calibration of the lightdetector 4 a is performed by directing internal reference light to thelight detector 4 a and measuring intensity thereof. Afterwards, themotor 6 c is controlled such that the carrier 6 b, the attenuatingfilter 6 a and the optical selector 7 are commonly rotated either in aclockwise direction M or anti-clockwise direction M′ into the secondoperating state. When using the attenuating filter having varyingtransmissivity as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B,rotation in a clockwise direction is performed if a non-cooperativetarget is to be observed, whereas rotation in an anti-clockwisedirection is performed when a cooperative target is to be observed.Thus, when a cooperative target is to be observed, the lowesttransparency and thus highest degree of attenuation is used for startingmeasurement. On the other hand, when a non-cooperative target is to beobserved, measurement is started by using a highest transparency andthus only a lowest degree of attenuation.

In the present embodiment, the ball lenses 3 f and 5 b are arrangedneighboring the optical fibers 3 e and 5 a of the measuring optics 3 andthe reference optics 5, respectively. Ball lens 4 f is provided in frontof the light detector 4 a. The ball lenses 3 f, 4 b and 5 b are used toprovide a parallel beam of light which is favorable when the light ispassing through the attenuating filter 6 a, as shown in FIG. 1D, or theconstant attenuating filter 5 c, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. Suitableball lenses can be obtained from Sinocera Photonics Inc., No. 355, PuHuiRoad, Jiading, Shanghai 201821, China. In the present embodiment, theball lenses have a diameter of 5 mm. However, the present invention isnot restricted to these dimensions or the use of ball lenses.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the present embodiment a position pin 6e extending in parallel to the rotational axis A is provided on a bottomof the carrier 6 b. A photo interrupter 9 can detect presence or absenceof the position pin 6 e at a certain position. In the embodiments,position pin 6 e and the photo interrupter 9 are positioned such thatthe position pin 6 e is detected by the photo interrupter 9 when theselector 7 is arranged in the beam path between the optical fiber 5 a ofthe reference optics 5 and the light detector 4 a. Thus, if the photointerrupter 9 detects presence of the position pin 6 e, the system is inthe first respectively third operating state described above and readyfor calibration of the light detector 4 a respectively adjustment of thereceiving fiber 3 e. The first operating state is a good starting pointfor measurement.

A suitable photo interrupter type CPI-210T is obtainable from EndrichBauelemente Vertriebs GmbH, Hauptstrasse 56, 72202 Nagold, Germany. Itis emphasized that use of the position pin and photo interrupter is onlyfacultative. Alternatively, the position of the selector can, forexample, be directly detected by the output of the motor, especiallywhen the motor has a mechanical stop.

B) Second Embodiment (FIGS. 3A-3D)

FIGS. 3A to 3D schematically show different views of a distancemeasuring system according to a second embodiment in two differentoperating states.

FIGS. 3A, 3C and 3D each show schematic cross sectional views. FIG. 3Bschematically shows a top view.

The different operating states are the first and second operating statesdescribed above with respect to the first embodiment. The firstoperating state is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C whereas the secondoperating state is shown in FIG. 3D.

The structure and function of the receiving unit 15* of the secondembodiment is very similar to the structure and function of thereceiving unit 15 of the above-described first embodiment. Thereforedescription of the first embodiment is referred to.

In the first operating state shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, light emittedby the light source 2 a is directed by the reference optics 5 and theoptical selector 7* towards the light detector 4 a. This light isreceived by the light detector 4 a as internal reference light. Lightreflected from the target 200 and directed by the measuring optics 3towards the light detector 4 a is blocked by the carrier 6 b supportingboth the attenuating filter 6 a and the optical selector 7*.

In the second operating state shown in FIG. 3D, light reflected from thetarget 200 and directed by the measuring optics 3 towards the lightdetector 4 a is received by the light detector 4 a via the attenuatingfilter 6 a. The internal reference light directed by the referenceoptics 5 towards the light detector 4 a is blocked by the carrier 6 b ofthe variable attenuator 6.

The second embodiment basically differs from the first embodiment inthat the ball lens 5 b is replaced by an optical aperture 5 b*. Suchoptical aperture 5 b* provides sufficient accuracy if the intensity oflight directed by the optical fiber 5 a of the reference optics towardsthe light detector 4 a is sufficiently high.

Moreover, in the second embodiment provision of a second light source 8and an external mirror surface at the optical selector 7* is omitted.Furthermore, the rhomboid prism that is used as optical selector 7 inthe first embodiment is replaced by an optical selector 7* comprisingtwo parallel mirror surfaces 7 a and 7 b.

C) Third Embodiment (FIGS. 4A-4D)

FIGS. 4A and 4C schematically show cross sectional views of a distancemeasuring system according to a third embodiment in two differentoperating states. FIGS. 4B and 4D schematically show front views of anattenuating filter 6** used in the third embodiment.

The different operating states are the first and second operating statesdescribed above with respect to the first embodiment. The firstoperating state is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the second operatingstate is shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D.

The structure and function of the third embodiment is very similar tothe above-described first embodiment. Therefore description of the firstembodiment is referred to.

In the first operating state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, light emitted bythe light source 2 a is directed by the reference optics 5 and theoptical selector 7 towards the light detector 4 a. This light isreceived by the light detector 4 a as internal reference light. Lightreflected from the target 200 and directed by the measuring optics 3towards the light detector 4 a is blocked by the housing 7 d of theoptical selector 7. In the present embodiment, the housing 7 d of theoptical selector 7 is constituted by an external opaque coating layer ofthe second mirror surface 7 b of the optical selector 7. To facilitateunderstanding FIGS. 4A and 4C, a gap is shown between elements 7 b and 7d that in fact need not exist in the present embodiment. However, it isemphasized that the present invention is not restricted to such a kindof housing or an optical selector having a housing at all.

In the second operating state shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, light reflectedfrom the target 200 and directed by the measuring optics 3 towards thelight detector 4 a is received by the light detector 4 a via theattenuating filter 6 a. The internal reference light directed by thereference optics 5 towards the light detector 4 a does not reach thelight detector 4 a as the optical axis of the reference optics 5 isoffset from the optical axis of the light receiver 4 comprising thelight detector 4 a.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that thesecond light source 8 and an external mirror surface at the opticalselector 7 are omitted.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment the carrier, attenuating filter androtational shaft of the variable attenuator 6** are of one piece. Thus,the selector 7 is directly supported by the attenuating filter 6 a**.

According to the third embodiment, the attenuating filter 6 a** has theform of a flat disc. As symbolized by the graph in FIGS. 4B and 4D theattenuating filter 6 a** has two sections 6 a′, 6 a″ of varyingtransmissivity along a direction of movement M of the attenuating filter6 a**, wherein the transmissivity varies from lower transparency tohigher transparency in both the first and second sections 6 a′, 6 a″. Ata portion between the two sections 6 a′, 6″, the optical selector 7 ismounted.

Moreover, in the third embodiment the ball lenses are replaced byordinary lenses 3 f*, 4 b** and 5 b**. Further, a motor 6 c** withoutinternal gear is used as actuator for rotating the attenuating filter 6a**.

D) Surveying Instrument (FIG. 5)

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a surveying instrument(e.g. a telescope unit) comprising the distance measuring systemaccording to the above embodiments.

Such surveying instrument is frequently mounted on a tripod (as shown inFIG. 6).

The surveying instrument 1 comprises a transmitter unit 2 having thelight source 2 a. The transmitter unit 2 further comprises a lightfilter 2 c coupled to a motor 2 b. By using the motor 2 b, the lightfilter 2 c can be inserted or removed from a beam path defined by thelight source 2 a to adapt the system 1 to use of either anon-cooperative target or a cooperative target. It is emphasized thatuse of the light filter 2 c and pertaining motor is only facultative.

The surveying instrument 1 further comprises the measuring optics 3comprising a central mirror 3 a, first and second lenses 3 b and 3 c, asemi-transparent mirror 3 d and the optical fiber 3 e (receiving fiber).However, the present invention is not restricted to measuring opticshaving such structure.

To measure the distance of the target 200 from the surveying instrument1, light emitted by the light source 2 a is projected through the firstand second lenses 3 b and 3 c towards the target 200 by using thecentral mirror 3 a. Light reflected by the target 200 is directedthrough the second lens 3 c and the first lens 3 b towards thesemi-transparent mirror 3 d. Part of the light is reflected by thesemi-transparent mirror 3 d and directed by the backside of the centralmirror 3 a into the optical fiber 3 e. The position of the centralmirror 3 a can be adjusted by using a support 3 a′ to guarantee thatpart of the light reflected from the target 200 enters the optical fiber3 e of the measuring optics 3. The optical fiber 3 e of the measuringoptics 3 is connected to the receiving unit 15. The semi-transparentmirror 3 d can for example have a wavelength-dependent reflectivity thatis especially high for light emitted by the light source 2 a.

By using direct observation optics 11, the target 200 can be observed bya user through the semitransparent mirror 3 d and the first and secondlenses 3 b, 3 c of the measuring optics 3. The direct observation optics11 is not described in further detail, as it is well known for theskilled person.

Furthermore, the optical fiber 5 a (reference fiber) and referenceoptics 5 (here a semitransparent mirror for reflecting part of the lightemitted by the light source 2 a) are provided to directly direct lightfrom the light source 2 a to the receiving unit 15 without exiting ahousing 13 of the system 1. Thus, the optical fiber 5 a of the referenceoptics provides an internal reference light to the receiving unit 15.The semitransparent mirror of the reference optics 5 has an inclinationof 45° with respect to the direction of propagation of light emitted bythe light source 2 a.

The receiving unit 15 has the structure as explained in further detailin the above first to third embodiments.

A micro-controller 12 is part of the receiving unit and placed on thereceiving unit 15. The micro-controller controls operation of both thereceiving unit 15 and the transmitter unit 2 (and thus the light source2 a). To allow modulation of the radiation emitted by the light source 2a, the transmitter unit 2 is connected to the receiving unit 15 by acoaxial cable 10. By determining phase differences between the lightemitted by the laser diode 2 a of the transmitter unit 2 and the lightreceived by the detector 4 a of the receiving unit 15 themicro-controller 12 either performs calibration of the system (if thelight is provided by the reference optics 5) or detects the distance Dbetween the target 200 and the distance measuring system (if the lightis reflected by the target 200).

Further, a user interface 14 is connected to the micro-controller 12 forinput of a type of measurement to be performed. According toembodiments, this type of measurement includes information whether acooperative or non-cooperative target is to be used. Alternatively, thesurveying instrument can use the micro-controller 12 to automaticallydetect the kind of target (e.g. by detecting reflectivity of thetarget).

It is emphasized that the present invention is not restricted to asurveying instrument having the structure described above with respectto FIG. 5. In fact, some or all of the above described elements of thesurveying instrument can be omitted or replaced by other elements.Further, additional elements can be provided.

E) Electronic Distance Meter (FIG. 6)

An electronic distance meter incorporating the distance-measuring systemof the above embodiments is schematically shown in FIG. 6 to give anexample for a surveying instrument incorporating the distance-measuringsystem in an operating condition.

In FIG. 6, the electronic distance meter comprises a housing 13containing the above-described distance-measuring system 1. The housing13 is supported by a tripod 100 for allowing alignment of the electronicdistance meter to a target 200 by rotating the housing about twoperpendicular rotational axes in a known way. The target 200 shown inFIG. 6 is a prism and thus a cooperative target supported by a rod 201.

However, the present invention is not restricted to electronic distancemeters or usage of cooperative targets and especially prisms. Evennon-cooperative targets can be used. Further, the present invention canbe applied on any instrument and especially surveying instrument.

F) Method of Operating the Surveying Instrument (FIGS. 7A-7C)

In the following, embodiments of a method of operating the abovesurveying instrument are explained by referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

According to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, in a first step S5 itis judged whether the kind of target is a cooperative target having highreflectivity or non-cooperative target having low reflectivity.

If a non-cooperative target is used, transmissivity of the attenuatingfilter is adjusted in step S61 beginning with the highest transparencyof the attenuating filter and thus a low degree of attenuation. Thetransparency is gradually reduced in step S71 in dependency on theintensity of light received at the light detector.

Alternatively, if a cooperative target is used, transmissivity of theattenuating filter is adjusted in step S62 beginning with the lowesttransparency of the attenuating filter and thus a high degree ofattenuation. Afterwards, in step S72 the transparency of the attenuatingfilter is gradually increased in dependency on the intensity of lightreceived at the light detector.

After the attenuating filter has been sufficiently adjusted to theintensity of light received by the light detector, in step S8 a distanceof the target is detected before the method is terminated. Afterwardsfurther measurements can be started.

According to a further embodiment, in step S8 a phase difference betweenthe light directed to the target and the reflected light received fromthe target is detected to calculate the distance of the target.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the additionalsteps shown in FIG. 7B.

Thus, in the first step S1 a kind of target to be used is identified.The kind of target e.g. comprises a cooperative target and anon-cooperative target. Therefore, in embodiments the decision on thekind of target is already taken in step S1. Alternatively, the decisionmay only be taken after light reflected from the target is received atthe light detector (this will be described later with respect to stepsS3 and S4).

Afterwards, in step S3 light generated by an internal light source isdirected to the target to be measured. This can be performed e.g. byusing the above-described measuring optics.

Light reflected by the target is received nearly instantly in step S4via an (especially variable) attenuating filter at a light detector e.g.by using the measuring optics before the method proceeds at step S5.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the alternativeor additional steps shown in FIG. 7C.

Thus, in this embodiment the kind of target is identified in the firststep S1 based on a user input identifying a type of measurement to beperformed. Thus, this type of measurement comprises information whethera cooperative target or non-cooperative target is to be used.

In a second step S2, the light detector is calibrated by directlyguiding light from an internal light source towards the light detector.Thus, the system is brought into the first operating state describedabove where the optical selector directs internal reference light to thelight detector. Afterwards, in the following step S3 the above-describedsecond operating state is entered and the method is resumed as describedabove. Alternatively, the method can also proceed directly with step S5.

It is an advantage of the proposed system that it has an especiallycompact structure and can be manufactured at low manufacturing costswhile high accuracy is maintained. It is an advantage of the proposedmethod that a suitable attenuation can be reached especially fast.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain exemplaryembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth hereinare intended to be illustrative and not limiting in any way. Variouschanges can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A distance-measuring system, comprising: a lightsource; a light detector; measuring optics for projecting light emittedby the light source to a target and for guiding light reflected fromsaid target towards the light detector; a variable attenuator foradjusting intensity of light incident on the light detector, thevariable attenuator comprising an attenuating filter arranged in a beampath between the measuring optics and the light detector, and anactuator coupled to the attenuating filter for moving the attenuatingfilter; and a controller; wherein along the same direction of movementof the attenuating filter caused by the actuator and within the beampath between the measuring optics and the light detector, theattenuating filter has first and second sections of varyingtransmissivity, a first section in which the transmissivity varies fromhigher transparency to lower transparency and a second section in whichthe transmissivity varies from higher transparency to lowertransparency; and wherein the controller is adapted to take a decisionon a kind of the target reflecting light towards the light detector, thekind of target comprising a target having low reflectivity and a targethaving high reflectivity, and to control the actuator in dependency onthe kind of target such that the attenuating filter is either moved in afirst direction of movement or in a second direction of movementopposite to the first direction of movement.
 2. The system according toclaim 1, further comprising: reference optics for guiding light emittedby the light source within the system towards the light detector asinternal reference light; and an optical selector for selectivelydirecting light guided by either the measuring optics or the referenceoptics to the light detector; and wherein the optical selector iscoupled to at least one of the actuator or the attenuating filter andmoved by the actuator together with the attenuating filter.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 2, wherein the variable attenuator furthercomprises a carrier supporting both the attenuating filter and theoptical selector; and wherein the actuator is coupled to the carrier formoving the carrier together with the attenuating filter and the opticalselector.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the opticalselector is arranged between the first and second sections of theattenuating filter.
 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein thecarrier has a circular shape rotatable about a rotational shaft, therotational shaft being arranged at a center of the carrier and beingcoupled to the actuator for rotating the carrier; and wherein theattenuating filter is part of a cylinder-surface or frusto-conicalsurface or the surface of an annular ring when supported by the carrier,the first and second sections of the attenuating filter extending incircumferential direction of the cylinder-surface or frusto-conicalsurface or the surface of an annular ring.
 6. The system according toclaim 1, further comprising a ball lens arranged adjacent the lightdetector.
 7. A distance-measuring system, comprising: a light source; alight detector; measuring optics for projecting light emitted by thelight source to a target to be measured and for guiding light reflectedfrom said target towards the light detector; and a variable attenuatorfor adjusting intensity of light incident on the light detector, thevariable attenuator comprising an attenuating filter arranged in a beampath between the measuring optics and the light detector, a carriersupporting the attenuating filter, and an actuator coupled to thecarrier for moving the carrier together with the attenuating filter;wherein the carrier has a circular shape rotatable about a rotationalshaft, the rotational shaft being arranged at a center of the carrierand being coupled to the actuator for rotating the carrier; and whereinthe attenuating filter has a cylinder shape, a frusto-conical shape, oran annular ring shape, and the light detector is arranged within acavity formed by the cylinder shape, the frusto-conical shape, or theannular ring shape.
 8. The system according to claim 7, furthercomprising: reference optics for guiding light emitted by the lightsource within the system towards the light detector as internalreference light; and an optical selector for selectively directing lightguided by either the measuring optics or the reference optics to thelight detector, wherein the optical selector is coupled to at least oneof the actuator or the attenuating filter and moved by the actuatortogether with the attenuating filter.
 9. The system according to claim8, wherein the optical selector is supported by the carrier of thevariable attenuator together with the attenuating filter and moved bythe actuator together with the carrier.
 10. The system according toclaim 7, wherein along the same direction of movement of the attenuatingfilter caused by the actuator the attenuating filter has first andsecond sections of varying transmissivity, a first section in which thetransmissivity varies from higher transparency to lower transparency anda second section in which the transmissivity varies from highertransparency to lower transparency, the first and second sectionsextending in circumferential direction of the cylinder shape, thefrusto-conical shape, or the annular ring shape defined by theattenuating filter.
 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein a beampath between the reference optics and the light detector enters theattenuating filter in an area closer to the carrier of the variableattenuator than a beam path between the measuring optics and the lightdetector.
 12. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a balllens arranged adjacent the light detector.
 13. The system according toclaim 1, further comprising: a housing; and a mount supporting thehousing, wherein the light source, the light detector, the measuringoptics, and the variable attenuator are disposed with the housing. 14.The system according to claim 7, further comprising: a housing; and amount supporting the housing, wherein the light source, the lightdetector, the measuring optics, and the variable attenuator are disposedwith the housing.